After brief closure, Rideau Canal Skateway to reopen Saturday morning

After keeping skaters off the ice for four days, the National Capital Commission (NCC) says it will reopen the Rideau Canal Skateway on Feb. 9.

The full 7.8 kilometres of Ottawa’s outdoor rink will be accessible as of 8 a.m. Saturday, the Crown corporation said on Friday.

The skateway was closed down on Monday night before warmer temperatures hit the national capital the next day.

Temperatures have since dipped back down and crews monitoring the ice say the canal surface will be safe for skating this weekend, according to a statement from the NCC.

The skateway’s 49th season began 41 days ago on Dec. 30, 2018. The canal has been open to skaters for 32 of those days, said the NCC, which is the federal agency responsible for managing the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Environment Canada is forecasting a high of -8 C on Saturday, with a wind chill of -24 in the morning and -14 in the afternoon. Saturday night will bring a low of -18 C, with a wind chill near -22, the weather agency predicts.

Sunday is expected to be sunny with a high of -8 C before plunging to -20 at night.

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Ottawa’s public health agency has issued a frostbite advisory for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

The skateway’s ice conditions can change on short notice. Anyone hoping to strap on their blades can check the canal’s current conditions and see which sections are open to the public using the NCC’s online interactive map.